Pints for a Purpose has become a much-anticipated event at Little River Trading Company every April, June, September and October. Beyond the raffle prizes, local craft beers and live music, it raises money for local charities.
The year’s final Pints for a Purpose takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Sponsored by Blundstone, Altra, Outdoor Research and Vuori, it will benefit Haven House, the Blount County organization that provides healing, support and empowerment to victims of domestic violence regardless of race, background, gender or sexual orientation. All raffle proceeds go to Haven House.
Raffle drawings will be held throughout the evening, with prizes including outdoor gear and apparel. As always, the band Cats Away will hold court on the patio with a selection of popular tunes. Bob’s Smokin’ Somethin’ food truck will also be on hand to feed the crowd.
The events have become something of a local tradition. “We launched Pint Nights in 2013 and are now in our 11th year,” said Emily Miller, marketing manager for Little River Trading Company and Cycology Bicycles, the bike shop inside the store. “After pausing in 2020 [due to COVID-19], we resumed in 2023. Our raffle prizes average a retail value of $1,800, raising an average of $2,000 per event for our featured charity.”
Aside from pints and prizes, the gatherings build bonds within the community and give attendees a chance to connect with friends and meet others who share their interests.
“Returning regulars reflect strong support for both our shop and local nonprofits, helping build lasting friendships within our community,” Miller said. “These grassroots events unite local businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, and friends to directly support our community, local lands, and organizations doing good.”
Located near the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Little River Trading Company has been encouraging interest in outdoor activities since its founding in 1996. Its origins can be traced back even further, to May 1994, when friends Greg Rowe and Charles “Woody” Woody were camping together alongside Eagle Creek in North Carolina. Rowe’s boots were drying by the fire as the two passed the time talking and sipping hot cider. Dissatisfied with their office jobs, they began discussing the possibility of someday starting their own business. As Rowe glanced at the water dripping from the soles of his boots, Woody mentioned that Maryville didn’t seem to have a place where one could buy quality outdoor gear and clothing, forcing the town’s outdoor enthusiasts to drive to Knoxville to find what they needed. Two years later, they found their present location at 2408 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville. These days, the store has become a local landmark of sorts for hikers, cyclists, campers and anyone else who spends time outdoors in East Tennessee.
And four evenings a year, those with a passion for pints find plenty to savor, too.
For more information, call 865-681-4141 or email info@littlerivertradingco.com.
If you go
What: Pints for a Purpose, benefiting Haven House
When: 5–8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22
Where: Little River Trading Company, 2408 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville
How much: Free to attend; raffle tickets benefit Haven House
Info: 865-681-4141 or info@littlerivertradingco.com
